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We have all heard the saying that ‘the bigger, the better’, but in the case of diamonds the subtler tenet ‘small is beautiful’ sometimes holds more sway. While we have all seen famous people wear diamond rings that could take your eye out, there are some reasons why a bigger diamond isn’t always better.
Bigger isn’t better when you are sacrificing other diamond qualities for size. There are four qualities that are typically examined when selecting a diamond, known as the four Cs. These are cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Only one of these, carat weight, refers to the size of your diamond.
Even the experts differ over which of these qualities is the most important in choosing a diamond, but very few refer to carat weight as being the most significant. Some cite the cut as being the strongest deciding factor, arguing that an excellent cut can compensate for shortcomings in the other three areas. Other experts believe that the color is most important, as this is the trait most easily seen by the naked eye. But invariably, no one says that bigger is better.
The size of a bigger diamond is overshadowed by shortcomings in these other areas. A high carat weight becomes insignificant if the cut is not good. Diamond cutting is undoubtedly a highly exacting skill, an art form in itself. A good cut provides the diamond with the facets that allow light to reflect with your stone, creating the brilliance and fire for which the diamond is famous. The size of a diamond is of very little significance if the cut is poor.
A large diamond with imperfect coloring cannot compete with a smaller stone that is clear. A perfectly clear diamond is rated D on a scale that continues to Z, and while most consumers will be unable to detect color differences unless they are several grades apart, even the most amateur gem appreciator will value a smaller clear stone above a large stone that is yellowish in color.
The clarity of a diamond is also more important than its size. While most diamonds will include some minute flaws, known as inclusions, which are caused by the natural diamond creating processes that have occurred over several millennia, a diamond that bears as few of these as possible is more beautiful than one with many. A small flawless diamond is infinitely more exquisite than a larger one with many flaws.
Even if you are lucky enough to find a larger diamond that satisfies the other three Cs, chances are that you will have to spend so much on acquiring it that you will be afraid to wear it anywhere, just in case you lose it! While investing in a nice piece of jewelry is something that can make you feel great, you don’t want to spend so much that it causes you anxiety. A large proportion of Americans are already in considerable amounts of debt, and money issues are the primary cause of discord in relationships. Don’t spend so much on purchasing a bigger diamond that stress of one kind or another prevents you from truly enjoying it.
And you won’t enjoy a larger diamond if it simply is not your personal style. While a large gemstone can make a big statement, many people prefer the understated elegance of a more subtle stone. The diamond you choose should be expressive of your unique style and personality, so be true to yourself, and pick the stone that best suits you.
And remember, bigger isn’t always better!
Technorati Tags: diamonds, diamond, four Cs, jewelry
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